Documents

Where documents include maps, the use of this data is subject to terms and conditions (https://portal.historicenvironment.scot/termsandconditions).

The legal document available for download below constitutes the formal designation of the monument under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979. The additional details provided on this page are provided for information purposes only and do not form part of the designation. Historic Environment Scotland accepts no liability for any loss or damages arising from reliance on any inaccuracies within this additional information.

• Type

  Legal Documents

  Title

  SM6288_Legal Doc

  Download(https://portal.historicenvironment.scot/document/600012177)

Summary

Description

The monument comprises two large, partially excavated, mesolithic shell middens which are situated in a commanding position amongst dunes on the SE coast of Oronsay. In mesolithic times, the high tide would have almost reached the base of the mounds.

The southernmost midden, 'Caisteal nan Gillean I', now stands 17.7m above mean sea level and, prior to excavation in 1881-2 which removed its summit, may have been up to 2m higher. In 1979 a series of small test pits were dug and auger samples taken over the site; dating evidence suggested that there was a short sequence of occupation. There were indications of a possible structure on the S andW periphery of the site.

The second mound, 'Caisteal nan Gillean II', lies 50m to the NE. It too had been partially excavated in 1881, but further excavation took place in 1970-1 demonstrating that areas of undisturbed midden deposits survived. Radiocarbon datesrange from 4340-3900 BC.

The area to be scheduled is oval on plan and measures 100m from SW-NE by 60m transversely, to include the middens and an area around in which associated remains may survive, as marked in red on the attached map extract.

Statement of National Importance

The monument is of national importance because of its potential to provide information about the activities of Scotland's first settlers, specifically their exploitation of coastal resources.

References

Bibliography

About Scheduled Monuments

Historic Environment Scotland is responsible for designating sites and places at the national level. These designations are Scheduled monuments, Listed buildings, Inventory of gardens and designed landscapes and Inventory of historic battlefields.

We make recommendations to the Scottish Government about historic marine protected areas, and the Scottish Ministers decide whether to designate.

Scheduling is the process that identifies, designates and provides statutory protection for monuments and archaeological sites of national importance as set out in the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979.

We schedule sites and monuments that are found to be of national importance using the selection guidance published in Designation Policy and Selection Guidance (2019)

Scheduled monument records provide an indication of the national importance of the scheduled monument which has been identified by the description and map. The description and map (see ‘legal documents’ above) showing the scheduled area is the designation of the monument under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979. The statement of national importance and additional information provided are supplementary and provided for general information purposes only. Historic Environment Scotland accepts no liability for any loss or damages arising from reliance on any inaccuracies within the statement of national importance or additional information. These records are not definitive historical or archaeological accounts or a complete description of the monument(s).

The format of scheduled monument records has changed over time. Earlier records will usually be brief. Some information will not have been recorded and the map will not be to current standards. Even if what is described and what is mapped has changed, the monument is still scheduled.

Scheduled monument consent is required to carry out certain work, including repairs, to scheduled monuments. Applications for scheduled monument consent are made to us. We are happy to discuss your proposals with you before you apply and we do not charge for advice or consent. More information about consent and how to apply for it can be found on our website at www.historicenvironment.scot.

Find out more about scheduling and our other designations at www.historicenvironment.scot/advice-and-support. You can contact us on 0131 668 8914 or at designations@hes.scot.